Having a year and a half of college under my belt has taught me how to find the perfect balance between my classes and my social life. College is a time to figure out how you work best. By setting goals and planning ahead, I have been able to find this very balance. From one college student to another, here are my top three tips and tricks that I find useful in my life as a college student.
- Using a planner
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I cannot live without my paper planner. Yes, I said paper planner. Some people use Google Calendar (which is a great option), but I find that it does not work for me. I have to physically write all of my to-dos down on paper so I can go back and check them off when completed. Writing down all of my assignments allows me to remember what I have to complete. When I physically check them off, I feel accomplished and can move on with my day.
- Sticking to your routine
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I don’t know about you, but I am a stickler when it comes to my routine. Although some days are different than others, depending on how busy I am, my routine always stays the same. I wake up, make my bed, put in my contacts, brush my teeth, do my skincare, get dressed, fill up my water bottle, and head out the door. Some days, I head to the gym early in the morning, and on others I just go straight to class. Establishing a simple morning routine like mine seems like a simple task, but it will make you more productive in the long run.
- Finding time for yourself
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This is one of the most important tips in college. Sometimes, we get caught up in all the business that college brings, such as homework, sporting events, and going out with friends. It is difficult to balance all of these things at once. It seems like there is not enough time in the day to complete everything, but you can by making time for yourself. I do this by going to the Recreation Center to workout. I put in my AirPods and escape from it all. Completing any form of exercise, from working out at the University Recreation Center to walking around campus for about thirty minutes to an hour, can allow you to reset.
I strongly believe that planning and completing these goals throughout the day can benefit the entirety of your college lifestyle. I find that these top three strategies work for me, but depending on the person, some may work better than others. The more you utilize these strategies, the closer you will get to achieving your goals!